Unit 9 Final Project

Unit 9 Final Project

HW420-02

Kaplan University

Scott Choplin

9/27/2013

I.  Introduction:

There are four reasons for exploring psychospiritual flourishing. The first is the most underdeveloped aspect of human life, we spend too much energy and time developing our physical lives such as our intellect, our careers, and our relationships that we forget it is just as important to develop our inner lives.

Secondly, it is the source of modern-day epidemics of mental suffering and premature disease; most times we become detached from our emotional wellness so we cannot see those warning signs which lead to illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and anger issues.

Thirdly, this area will most likely help to develop other aspects of our lives fully, someone with a fully developed inner life will be much more peaceful, and their bright light will beam from within, enriching other aspects of their lives, and with those lives they choose to surround themselves.

Fourth and lastly, the development of our inner life is the most unique and precious opportunity given to us as humans, we are more than giving material things to others; instead, our greatest gifts to others is being a caring and loving person. However, you must use those gifts of caring and loving on yourself first to develop a rich and full inner self to share with others (Dacher, 2006).

The Psychospiritual Development levels are very important for health and wellness. These four steps include: primal unity which is the oneness and interconnectedness with all life. Such a newborn there is no separation between the inner and outer world in which this inevitable separation is needed for further development.

Next level is witnessing consciousness, this helps us to stop, focus, make certain choices, and comprehend our thoughts and feelings. Also, to become intentional without reactions toward life, meaning to learn how to change those destructive patterns and emotions.

This is the one I have been working real hard to change. I stop and think before I react to what is being said which helps me make a conscious decision instead of over reacting. I can create my own thoughts and not be enticed by other’s negative actions or words.

Third level is calm abiding consciousness; this is where those intentions become mature. Here we must explore deep into our mind to discover our wisdom, loving-kindness, and inner peace. Practicing meditation, contemplative practices, or daily prayer can help us reach this level.

The final step is unity consciousness, this is the step we develop the most subtle mind and re-experience oneness and unity of the child. This is obtained through an understanding called “matured innocence,” a rebirth of the child with consciousness and wisdom. This level takes years of contemplative practice which we should all desire to reach (Dacher, 2006).

These areas are very important for health professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically so they can be better mentors, understand the needs of others, and be in a better position to explain the benefits of a balanced mind, body, and soul.

II. Assessment:

I have an awareness of the sources of my stress, needless suffering, dissatisfaction, and the sources toward future development and flourishing. I understand without knowing where I stand in each area then I will not be able to develop and to see growth. For this, I need to silent my mind and focus on which aspect (psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, worldly) that my life has suffering and see where I need to grow. It is important to reflect on each before moving forward to another area because I may need more time before moving on. This practice will enhance my awareness and serve as an ongoing assessment tool. Since taking this class those areas I have focused on such as my body, psychological, and spiritual have improved.

My score for my overall wellness is a 9. My physical well-being score is a 9, my spiritual well-being is a 9, and my psychological well-being is a 9 also. My mind and my body connections are at the highest peaks ever. I have learned to listen to them more clearly which makes me feel that all my areas of life are going in the right directions.

III. Goal Development:

My physical well-being goals are to continue my weight training up to four times a week and my walking at least three times a week and jogging and bike riding.

My spiritual well-being goals are to continue to pray and do mental health practices which means going to church on Sundays and daily meditation and loving-kindness practice.

My psychological well-being goals are to keep working on my future possibilities which is completing my degree plan at Kaplan next semester. Then I will study to take the exam to be a Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection Professional in March 2014. Many steps to get there but I am on that path!

IV. Practices for Personal Health:

An example of an activity or exercise to implement a greater wellness for me is the physical activity of walking or jogging since this can help increase my cardio. Another example of an activity or exercise to implement is the physical activity of weight training since this is a mindfulness practice benefiting the body and the mind. I eat very healthy along with being active it is important to foster balance for my whole body. This also allows me to rest and sleep better and allows my body and my mind to feel cared for and connected.

Examples of psychological wellness to implement a greater wellness for me are meditation practices and the loving-kindness practice. Meditation at nighttime or in stressful situations helps to foster peace, calmness, and more clarity. It also improves my overall health, feels great, and I have more energy yet relaxed. Loving-kindness practice allows me to think before reacting in a situation. I take the negative thoughts or actions and replace them with love and compassion towards another. I can place myself in their shoes and look at what is troubling their life so I can help and not make things worse.

Examples of spiritual wellness to implement a greater wellness for me is going to church on Sundays and praying. I feel so much better when I physically go to Sunday mass and it makes my week complete. I will continue doing this and get more involved with church organizations and church functions. Praying for others and myself allows me to understand there is a higher power through my struggles and praying for others can help them through their struggles as well. It helps me cope better and foster a transformation of personal growth.

Furthermore, it is essential to establish a set of principles which helps us understand and distinguish the characteristics of integral practice. I find the eight essential principles of integral or mindful practice make us realize just that.

1.) All integral practices must have as their final aim the evolution of our knowledge, capacity, and abilities beyond what is now considered normal. Therefore, our practices must address and support each aspect of life with the goal of fully realizing all levels of human potential such as age, temperament, stage of life, and general level of health. The evolution of this potential is from body to mind to spirit. 

2.) All integral practices must be supported by inner development. Contemplative practice, mental training, and subtle consciousness provide the space, clarity, wisdom, and attention those are fundamental requirements for the success of other practices. Through an expanded consciousness we can complete the movement from body to mind to spirit in each aspect of our life.

3.) All integral practices must be infused with an aspiration for loving-kindness. Universal loving-kindness softens the mind and opens the heart. It diminishes the grip of our ego and conveys a larger meaning to life. It further assists us in gaining the good will, encouragement, and support of others. 

4.) All integral practices must be infused with virtue. Therefore, courage, creativity, discipline, patience, openness, perseverance, confidence, and enthusiasm are some traits that fuel our practice. Unless we have strength of character that can maintain vision and sustain our efforts, we will not be able to stay the course. 

5.) All integral practices must be tailored to the individual’s needs. We are each born with a unique disposition, temperament, and life circumstance. Throughout our life cycle, each of us must be able to adapt specific practices to our own needs and be flexible in reshaping them when necessary. Integral practices must be based on individual’s specific needs and the totality of available resources. 

6.) Integral practice requires more than one helper or mentor. This may include individuals uniquely trained as integral resource counselors who are knowledgeable about a wide variety of integral approaches, familiar with related books, seminars, and online information, and capable of tailoring person-centered programs. 

7.) Integral practice requires that we take responsibility for our own development. Assuming overall responsibility for integral health will help us build autonomy, skillfulness, discernment, discipline, and the capacity for improvisation. We have the best chance of getting it right and most efficiently and effectively advancing on our integral path. 

8.) Integral practice emphasizes activities that are broad-based, simultaneously touching multiple aspects of our life. Contemplative practices ranging from formal meditation to active meditations such as tail chi still our mind and expand our consciousness. They enhance the quality of life, harmonize our body/mind/spirit, and support a more effective presence in worldly life (Dacher, 2006).

V. Commitment:

I will assess my progress or lack of progress through practicing the daily meditations and other practices then re-evaluating where I feel I need to make some necessary changes or adjustments. After all I have to understand, to experience, and to grow before I can help others do the same. I have to walk the walk and talk the talk and be committed to practice what I teach. I will maintain my daily meditation, practice loving-kindness, prayer, go to Sunday mass, and take other’s feelings and well-being into heart and consideration as well as my own feelings and well-being. I feel ready to help others because I have helped myself!

                                                                         Reference:

 

Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health the Path to Human Flourishing, Basic Health Publications,

     Inc: Laguna Beach, CA.